Dance with Hybrid - Lexus CT 200h Philippine Debut!

2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

After its Japan debut in January 12, 2011, Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila finally brought the first full-fledged premium hybrid hatchback, the Lexus CT 200h, in the Philippines! And yes, this is how they do it!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lexus-manila-launches-ct200h

Check out the new Lexus CT 200h at http://www.lexus.com.ph/model/ct/ct200h/ct200h.html

Ang dramang ito ay brought to you by...

...OK, no time for drama. We experienced some laugh trip on the February 25 episode of Bubble Gang! That night's episode includes:

- "Anong ginawa mo sa anak ko?" gags

- Drama with a hint of advertising like Dolkelan pain killer, Red Snake energy drink, Silver Puti tomato ketchup, Albatros all-in-one shampoo, and Mentals chewy candy.

- SPLASH REPORT! There was a protest coming and the newscaster didn't catch what happened!

- What happened to Bureche's doll? The head is missing... When dad came, Bureche passed the heat to Cheche (after swapped dolls). Later on, someone showed up and found the head of Bureche's doll. It's Justin Bibbo!

Cheche, Bureche, meet Justin Bibbo!

- Bubble Gang does Nido! They spoofed the commercial of Nido, then gagged as Medo. More milk, less sugar. See the difference!

Bubble Gang does Nido

- Bubble Gang does Baker King! They spoofed the Korean drama, Baker King, gagged as "Beke King!" Great, another Korean drama parody from Bubble Gang!

Beke King

- Does this guy can walk well?

- Bubble Gang presents "Salingawngaw"

The Koreana ending made us had enough...

Koreana ending

Well, almost, kind of. Even when Koreana ended, we Filipinos still remain our love to all things Korean. Guess Kris Bernal's performance on the daytime TV drama on GMA wasn't so bad after all.

About the finale, Benjo and Joshua tries to rescue Jenna, trapped in a coffin alive. Well, I can't remember the rest of what happened...

Guess, we had enough of our liking to all things Korean, well almost. Even Koreana has ended, we still like everything Korean, and also that Kapuso star, Kris Bernal.

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:2

When the new Suzuki Solio launched since December 24, 2010 (and already on sale since January 7, 2011), Mitsubishi Motors collaborated with Suzuki for selling their own version of the new Solio. As a result, in February 24, 2011, the Mitsubishi version of the second-generation Solio turned out to be "another Delica", coming to dealerships this March 10.

Calling this "another Delica" that slots next to the Delica D:5, my understanding about the new Delica D:2 is pretty much the same as the new Suzuki Solio. In case that Mitsubishi fans want to know more about the 2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:2, here are five things you should know about this "another Delica" that has the same features found on the new Suzuki Solio;

1) Big Space - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 is very spacious indeed. Spacious enough to fit up to five people and its legroom is not so shabby either.

2) Sliding Doors - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 has two sliding doors, making it a fun-to-access experience for this compact minivan made exclusively for Japanese Mitsubishi fans who think that the Delica D:5 is too expensive for them. They can be open either physically or from a touch of a button.

3) Seating arrangements - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 has a wide array of seating arrangements that fits your every scenarios.

4) Fuel Economy - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2's K12B (1.2-litre 4-cylinder DOHC VVT engine) has a fuel economy of 22.5km/L (10-15 Mode, 20.0km/L in JC08 Mode). It comes with a CVT for optimized fuel efficiency.

5. Eco-car privileges; Most variants of the Mitsubishi Delica D:2 receive a 75% tax break as part of Japan's "Eco-car Genzei" system.

My thoughts about the Delica D:2:

Well, pretty much the same as the new Solio. Which means, there's nothing so special about the Mitsubishi version of the new Suzuki Solio, the Delica D:2. Just leave it to the Japanese Mitsubishi fans...

Just imagine that this is a new Suzuki Solio photoshopped with something Mitsubishi, well, this is no photoshopped Solio, this is the real deal!

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Brod Bro Bru for 2-24-11

Here's the Brod Bro Bru earlier from the 2-24-11 episode of Banana Split!

1) BROD: Kapitan Inggo kumakain ng bala

    BRO: Captain Inggo, the bullet eater
    BRU: Kapitana, lumalafangga ali-bang bangga

2) BROD: Batang sirena

    BRO: Little mermaid

    BRU: Danggit bulilit, danggit bulilit!

3) BROD: Isa lang ang nakakakita

    BRO: One-eyed Jack

    BRU: Randy Santiago

4) BROD: Pakita mong binabae ka

    BRO: Show that you are gay

    BRU: It's your show, it's your kla...it's shokla

5) BROD: Bata pa si Sabel

    BRO: Sabel is very young

    BRU: Bawal ma-elya kay Sabelya

6) BROD: Halika rito

    BRO: Come here, bro. Come here.

    BRU: Alyna

7) BROD: Patindi ng patindi

    BRO: Major major

    BRU: Bumivenus Raj!

Igor invented Basuracan!

Also on Tekkie Muna, starring Ryan Bang as Igor Stojokovic Krystic, a "basuracan" was invented by Igor for easy throwing the trash. Just be sure that the trash may throw it to you!

THE IDOLM@STER 2

THE IDOLM@STER 2

It came as a phenomenal "Japan Original" since it was first debuted in Jaunary 2007, garnered spin-offs, music CDs, live performances, Xenoglossia anime, and the soon-to-be-aired anime series coming to TBS, the IDOLM@STER series is known to be the "Japan Original" before it was overtaken by other video games. Now, February 24, 2011, IDOLM@STER is back and this time, it's better than the best in THE IDOLM@STER 2!

Yes, anime and game otakus. THE IDOLM@STER 2 has landed and everyone's playing it after they picked up from their doorsteps. THE IDOLM@STER 2 follows the same chemistry of its predecessors, combining the elements of a dating sim game and some Dance Dance Revolution-style button-mashing action at the same time. As the producer, you are taking responsibility to the idols of your own choice; from Haruka, Hibiki, Miki, Makoto, Chihaya, Takane, Yukiho, Mami, and Yayoi.

Every rehearsals, every concerts, every dates, everything you need to know as a producer is the key to achieve higher rankings and every idol's happiness. Once more, personalization can be a notable feature. Every idol's style can affect the outcome of the game and how you personalize your idols is up to you.

Also, feel free to snap shot your favorite idol's precious moments during concerts. It's best to keep your favorite idol moments after the concert.

As a producer, it's your responsibility to check schedules on when will the auditions, live performances, and others occur and best to be active on those venues in order to bring out the idols' star factor. If there's nothing left, feel free to spend time talking with your idols but just like any other dating sims we know, trust is necessary to make stronger ties between the producer (that's you) and the idols.

Annually, Namco Bandai games will present a wide array of downloadable contents to mix and match to your idols, plus songs you may want to try out for your next session.

TWO PACKAGES:

- Standard Package comes with the game plus a downloadable code for the song Little Match Girl and two PR cards from Weiss Schwarz.

- Limited Edition is jam-packed with a "Kirakira package" pics from your favorite idols, and a 765 Pro ID.

SIDE NOTE: THE WORLD IS ALL ONE! Responsibility, cuteness, and determination. That makes the "Japan Original" game returned with the fresh new challenge, new hopes, and a new IDOLM@STER experience. Can you handle this new experience packed with more cuteness?

STARRING:

Eriko Nakamura as Haruka Amami

Manami Numakura as Hibiki Ganaha

Akiko Hasegawa as Miki Hoshii

Hiromi Hirata as Makoto Kikuchi

Asami Imai as Chihaya Kisaragi

Yumi Hara as Takane Shijou

Asumi Asakura as Yukiho Hagiwara

Asami Shimoda as Mami Futami and Ami Futami

Mayako Nigo as Yayoi Takatsuki

Naomi Wakabayashi as Producer Ritsuko Akizuki

Rie Kugimiya as Iori Minase

Chiaki Takahashi as Azusa Miura

Now on, Daewoo Matiz and Lacetti will be known as GM Korea's Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Cruze!

GM Korea Chevrolet Spark and Cruze

GM Daewoo's Lacetti Premiere (launched since late 2008) and GM Daewoo's Matiz Creative (launched since Autumn 2009), will be renamed as GM Korea Chevrolet Spark and GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze (differentiating from the US Chevrolet Cruze, launched since Autumn 2010) as part of the Korean launch of Chevrolet and the renaming of "GM Daewoo Auto and Techonology" into "GM Korea Company" starting late March 2011.

Despite renames, they are not counted as one of the eight new Chevrolet models coming to South Korea this year, ranging from the Orlando ALV, Aveo Sedan and Hatch, the Camaro (CBU from America), Captiva SUV, new midsize sedan, an unnamed imported Chevy model, and something that will built at the Bupyeong plant.

We already have these two in the Philippines so the new naming will take effect to South Korea this March.

Ssangyong Korando C

2012 Ssangyong Korando C

The rebirth of Ssangyong is the time to rebirth a legendary name in the form of its new crossover look. The Korando name, stands for Korean Can Do, is now reborn and it's no longer a jeep form, it's now evolved into a Classy Utility Vehicle, designed and enhanced to topple against the Korean crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson iX, Kia Sportage R, and GM Korea's Chevrolet Orlando ALV. Don't call the new Korando C sexy nor smart. The C in the Korando C naming means "Classy", giving the concept term Classy Utility Vehicle come alive.

On its new look, the Korando C boasts a luxurious design that looks somewhat similar to Hyundai's Tucson iX and Kia's Sportage R, but its Classy detail is fit enough for the "classian" to get in. I'm impressed to see that the Korando C is no longer an ugly Korando in the past and now made even more stylish to meet the demands of style-worthy customers. On the inside, the new Korando C looks stylish, but it's pretty much more like the aging Super Rexton SUV. Despite that, this 21st Century Korando garnered some of the appeals from legendary designer, Giorgietto Giugiaro, making this reborn Korean crossover a world-class touch everyone deserves.

The new Korando C is powered with the new e-XDi200 engine. This new engine has a power output of either 175PS (manual variant) or 181 PS (auto variant), torque output of 36.7kg-m, and the class no. 1 fuel economy of 17.6km/L (2WD MT variant). With this fuel economy, I'm sure this will put the sexy Tucson and the smart Sportage to shambles. The reborn Korando made it more economical and finally garnered a status of being a Korean eco-car. Depending on the variant, two transmission types are offered to the Korando C; a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed E-tronic. The E-tronic variant uses shift-like dials on the steering wheel instead of paddle shifters. To shift down, press the "D-" button and to shift up, hit the "D+" button. First timers may find it hard to master this different E-tronic variant from the Korando C, but if they get a hang of it, it can be somewhat enjoyable. However, I still prefer the 6MT variant of the Korando C because with the 2WD and 6MT combined, this has the class-leading fuel economy.

The new Korando C comes in three types; Chic, Clubby, and Classy. Depending on the type, customers can choose either the 2.0L 2WD 6MT, 2.0L 2WD 6AT, 2.0L 4WD 6AT, or the 2.0L 4WD 6MT variant. It comes with seven exterior colors;

1) Space Black
2) Grand White
3) Silent Silver
4) Tonic Grey
5) Ice Blue
6) Vitamin Red
7) Sable Gray

My thoughts about the Korando C:
First encountered this 21st century Korando as the C200 concept in the past, debuted in February 22, 2011, and sales start early next month, the 21st century Korando marks the rebirth of Ssangyong Motor Company, after brinks of bankruptcy and now under Mahindra and Mahindra's control. It's good to say that if the Hyundai Tucson iX is sexy, and the Kia Sportage R is smart, the new Ssangyong Korando C is classy, as in "Classy Utility Vehicle" and its made for the upperclassmen who are in search for perfect crossovers. With class-leading fuel economy of 17.6km/L, the Ssangyong Korando's grand comeback staged victorious against those but is it worth the challenge? I hope someone compares these trio of Korean crossovers and decide if sexy, smart, or classy is the right thing when it comes to decide which Korean crossover will prevail, and with the Korando C, what new challenges will take on?

Photo: http://www.ajnews.co.kr/

MELAI & JOBERT?! (and Brod Bro Bru for 2-22-11)

Melai and Jobert

Eh? Melai? Back on BS? Anyway, Melai teams up with Kuya Jobert for some kind of segment of Banana Split, called Melai and Jobert, a segment on how to deal on different scenarios and they will give you tips. Like for instance, breaking a vase. Wait a minute, this isn't a tip-giving segment, it's a laugh-out-loud riot!

By the way: here comes the Brod Bro Bru for February 22's episode;

1) BROD: Chismis lang yan!

    BRO: That's just a rumor

    BRU: Carelezz Whizper!

2) BROD: Grabe!

    BRO: Shocking, bro!

    BRU: Empress Shucks!!!

3) BROD: Si Bangs parang walang buto

    BRO: Looks like Bangs doesn't have bones, bro!

    BRU: Boneless Bangus!

4) BROD: Bili na kayo dito! Bago na, mura pa!

    BRO: Buy here! It's cheaper and it's newer, bros!

    BRU: Morayta Avenue!

5) BROD: Bumaril si Kuh Ledeshma

    BRO: Kuh Ledesma fired a gun, bro!

    BRU: Bangladeshma!

6) BROD: Tagal nama ng order namin!

    BRO: My order is very late, bro!

    BRU: Very Portugal ang order ko teh!

7) BROD: Tama ang presyo

    BRO: The price is right!

    BRU: Presyosa koreka host si Kristeta!

Headset Audio Enhancer

In case you don't know, there was another mission for James Bang. His latest mission is to tell the woman's neighbor to turn off his sounds because it disturbs her. If the guy can't hear what he said, one gadget has the answer, the HEADSET AUDIO ENHANCER!

WHAT?

HEADSEAT AUDIO ENHANCER?

Guess I can't hear what it is but mission accomplished. The woman's neighbor turned off the radio but he thinks even the small volume of voice thinking it's too loud. Ano sabi mo?

Hi!

James Bang is watching Banana Split!

Athena -Goddess of War- Original Soundtrack Vol. 2

Athena Original Sound Track Vol. 2

Most of the fans who watched Athena -Goddess of War- (한국: 아테나 : 전쟁의 여신) found out that this is much more better than 2009's IRIS, despite both IRIS and Athena were explosive creations from Taewon Entertainment and both of these dramas were espionage dramas, involving on an secret agent's race against time against an international terrorist organization. With the powerhouse cast of Jung Woo-Sung, Cha Seung-won, Soo Ae, and one of the finest actors and actresses in Korean TV, I'm impressed to see such a majestic performance and this Korean TV drama has the coolest appeal since IRIS.

Happy with Athena OST Volume One? There is Volume Two of the OST based on the drama! Including the songs from Park Hyo-Shin, Brown Eyed Soul, Jang Jae-In, Supreme Team and Baek Chan from Eight, you can listen from the second wave of theme songs from the series!

Please note that the in-drama BGMs (original score by Lee Dong-Jun) found in Vol.1 retained from Volume 2. Not that much of a special treat but it's a choice if you want to listen Vol. 1 or Vol. 2 of the Athena OST.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01. 널 사랑한다 – 박효신
02. 내려놔요 – 브라운아이드소울
03. Please – 장재인
04. Get Ready – 슈프림팀
05. 주문 – 백찬 (에이트)
06. Athena main title
07. Mission-The long road
08. Agent
09. Attack
10. Infiltration
11. Hard Boiled
12. The Game
13. True Love
14. True Love Version
15. True Love Solo piano
16. Love&Hate
17. Conspiracy 1
18. Conspiracy 2
19. N.T.S
20. Cool Bass
21. Chase 160

New Bentley Continental GT

2012 Bentley Continental GT

2012 Bentley Continental GT

Although Bentley dubbed this the "second-generation" Continental GT, this latest Continental GT is pretty much more of a minor model change, but honestly, despite minor change, Bentley claims that this is the Continental GT's first "full model change" after eight years of existence. With an even more bolder design, the new Bentley Continental GT is the Grand Touring coupe now refined to take on other challenges from the Crewe-based luxury marque that is under Volkswagen's control.

With the design derived from the flagship Mulsanne sedan, the new Continental GT has an improved headlamps, revised front bumper, new set of rims, sleeker side view, and a revised rear lamps. The new design for the new Continental GT made it more sleeker and more aristocratic for the sophisticated men in their 40's. On the interior, there are some mild refreshes around here, like the new steering wheel, new paneling, and something else. Checking around every nook and cranny and I expect that despite being called a "full model change", it is still the same Continental GT as far as I know it.

Powered with the brute 6.0-litre W12 Twin Turbo engine, the new Continental GT has a maximum power output of 575PS/6000rpm and the torque output of 700N-m/6000rpm. The standard transmission is a ZF 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The new Continental GT's maximum top speed is 318km/h and it can go for about 4.6 seconds on the 0-100km/h run. Coming soon is the V8 engine that delivers an impressive fuel economy and lower emissions, suitable for the eco-conscious driver.

My thoughts about the Continental GT:
Is it a Minor Change or a Full Model Change. In the eyes of fans, it was a minor change, but for Bentley, the term "second-generation" really states that this is the Continental GT's first full model change for after eight years starting from 2003.

I love the fact about the W12 twin turbo engine because this grand tourer behaves just like exotics despite this is a 2-door, 4-seater, premiere luxury coupe suitable for the aristocrats. Imagine myself getting one of those...

I'm impressed upon leveling up the Continental GT from ordinary to extra-ordinary because of its new design based from the Mulsanne. Created by the finest craftsmen in Crewe, the new Continental GT boasts an excellent elegance from the outside to the inside. Despite being called a "Full Model Change", I sense that this is still the same Bentley Continental GT as we first met this car in 2003.

But still, I am very happy to see Bentley's flagship coupe all grown up...

Photo: Bentley Motors Limited

Athena -Goddess of War- Original Soundtrack Vol. 1

Athena Original Sound Track Volume 1

Athena -Goddess of War- (한국: 아테나 : 전쟁의 여신) is known by most Korean drama fans as the next IRIS, despite the drama is the spin-off from the hit 2009 Korean action drama, IRIS. It highlights on a special agent from the fictitious NTS (National Anti-Terror Service), Lee Jung-woo (played by Jung Woo-Sung), With the casting of Cha Seung-won as the villainous Son Hyeok (the leader of the terrorist organization known as ATHENA), Soo Ae as Yoon Hye-in, Lee Ji-ah as Han Jae-hui, Kim Min-jong as Kim Gi-soo, and Choi Si-won as Kim Jun-ho, Athena -Goddess of War- is proven to be as successful as IRIS, and that's not all, it even made a tie-up with Kia Motors for their vehicles served on this espionage drama.

From Seoul to Rome, Venice to Honolulu, New Zealand, all the way to China, the shooting locations of Athena was proven to be a worldwide phenomenon, highlighting most about the storyline about an agent on his mission to stop global terrorism led by the international terrorist group. The espionage drama's success leads them to release two volumes of OSTs based on the drama itself.

Athena OST Vol. 1 packs the songs based in the drama, including from Tae Yang, Kang Ta, or even from Korean-Japanese idol BoA. Once more, it includes in-drama BGMs that will made fans relieve the Athena thrill from the TV sets. Too much to handle?

TRACK LISTINGS:

01. 사랑해요 (태연)
02. 아테나 (동방신기)
03. 화살(ARROW) (강타)
04. 옆사람 (보아)
05. Athena Main Title
06. Mission-The Long Road
07. Agent
08. Attack
09. Infiltration
10. Hard Boiled
11. The Game
12. True Love
13. True Love (String Version)
14. True Love (Solo Piano)
15. Love & Hate
16. Conspiracy 1
17. Conspiracy 2
18. N.T.S.
19. Cool Bass
20. Chase 160